Overview
The Puma is the largest cat in Patagonia and Torres del Paine’s top predator, yet very tricky to spot unless on a dedicated puma tracking trip, where we can see them in their natural habitat. They are gathered mostly in the eastern areas of Torres del Paine where there are fewer people, and together with our expert guides and trackers give you the best chances of seeing them up close. Spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna, this adventure is a must for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike!
Trip Highlights
• Photograph Pumas Up Close
• Chance to see Huemules (native deer)
• Short Trek Through Laguna Azul & Laguna Amarga
• Photograph Spectacular Landscapes of Torres Del Paine
• Secluded Camping Experience in Our Riverside Camp! (optional)
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MAP
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGION
• PUERTO NATALES
Itinerary
Day 0
Transfer to Chile Nativo Riverside Camp
- Welcome Dinner & Night in Private Deluxe Tent (D)
The afternoon prior to your puma tracking excursion, a private transfer will take you along a scenic route through far stretching landscapes of the Patagonia pampas as the mountains and valleys of the Paine Massif come into sight.
Travel along unpaved roads past lagoons and rolling pampas to the Rio Serrano sector of Torres Del Paine.
Your destination – Chile Nativo´s Riverside Camp – a fully-equipped campsite located on the shores of the Serrano River, away from the buzz of crowded Refugios and campsites.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted by the concierge and staff who will escort you to your private deluxe accommodation.
Our double deluxe tents are located on raised platforms, protected against the bracing Patagonian elements.
Inside, you’ll find double-height mattresses, cozy down covers and heaters that can be operated during the evening to ensure a warm night’s rest.
Permanent, separate male and female bathrooms with hot showers are just a short walk from the tents.
After checking in, a freshly prepared welcome dinner awaits you in a dedicated dining lodge with a magnificent views of the Paine Massif and changing colors of the endless Patagonia sky.
The shared lodge has spacious room to lounge, relax, and enjoy great company before turning in to your accommodation for the evening.
Meals are abundant, delicious and our concierge is always onsite to answer questions and to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Day 1
Full Day Puma Tracking
- Full day vehicle support for tracking & short transfers through park
- 8-10 hours Guided Tracking (B-BL)
Early in the morning after a hearty breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the Riverside Camp to start the adventure in search of the Puma.
Once found, photos will be taken only for a few minutes (around 15 to 30 minutes), just not to alter too much the daily life of the Puma.
We’ll track the wild cat after hiking in particular sectors of the park to take some pictures and continue on our way.
A boxed lunch is served at Grey Lake area to try our luck finding the elusive Huemul (native deer) and photograph the spectacular landscapes that this sector offers.
We will trek through other areas of the park, such as Laguna Azul and Laguna Amarga, to observe landscapes and other species, so that by the end of the day the Puma is once again seen for a few more minutes to be photographed for the last time.
After the last pictures, we drive back Puerto Natales.
INCLUDED
- All private transportation indicated in the schedule
- All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, D: dinner)
- 1 night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp in Torres del Paine (Double Dome)
- Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park
- Guide (English-Spanish speaking)
- Ranger expert in tracking Pumas
NOT INCLUDED
- Any additional nights
- Medical expenses
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks except those included in menu
- Insurance of any kind
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guide/driver
Lodgings
Dates & Prices
PRICES FOR SEASON 2022/2023: (Valid until April 2023)
2 Day Overnight Puma Tracking Excursion, 2D/1N (2 Days w/ 1 Night Accommodation in Chile Nativo Riverside Camp)
*Riverside Camp Operates October – April
1 Guest Total in Group: USD$ 2.225
2 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 1.595 per person
3 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 1.295 per person
4 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 1.095 per person
5-8 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 995 per person
*DEPARTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*
Puma Tracking is Available All Year Round. Overnight excursions with accommodation in Chile Nativo Riverside Camp is available October – April.
FAQ's
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my excursion in the park?
A: The majority of the hotels and hostels will store luggage for their guests who are staying with them prior to and after their travels in the park. If not, we will happily store your luggage securely in our office until you arrive back from your program. During your guided puma tracking excursion you will have full vehicle support for the safe transport of your luggage and equipment needed during your excursion.
Q: What if I´m staying inside the park already and not in Puerto Natales? Can I still be picked up from my hotel or accommodation?
A: Yes – the transfer to our Riverside Camp is included in this program regardless where you are staying (inside the park or in Puerto Natales).
Q: I´m renting a vehicle during my time in Torres Del Paine – can I follow the guide in my own car since I won´t need transportation?
A: The safety of our guests and guides is always our primary concern on any excursion. Even though you may have your own transportation during your travels throughout Patagonia and Torres Del Paine, you will still need to travel along with our guide in our vehicle during the puma tracking excursion. This ensures the safety of everyone and so you can enjoy the panoramic views during the transport and the chance to spot a puma in route! Our Riverside Camp has ample and safe parking so you are welcome to leave your car during your excursion.
Q: Will I need to carry a backpack each day during this excursion?
A: Although you won´t need to carry a large backpack during each day´s activity, it is recommended that you have a small daypack to carry items such as your lunch, water bottle, camera, sunscreen, glasses, and other personal items needed.
Q: Are there restrooms and showers in the Riverside Camp?
A: Yes – there are 2 restrooms and 2 showers per gender in the bath house located in the camp. Hot water is available during the generator’s schedule which functions 08:00 – 23:00. We recommend that you shower at night since your mornings you will be starting early for your days´ excursion.
Q: What is the Riverside Camp like?
A: Chile Nativo Riverside Campsite is our own private home base located within Torres del Paine National Park. Perfect for families or groups, ours is a fully-equipped campsite located on the shores of the Serrano River, away from the buzz of crowded Refugios and campsites. We run all operations in-house, meaning we’re free to work with our own trusted staff, source local products, select the best creature comforts and control all the moving parts that make up an outdoor travel experience. Our double deluxe tents are located on raised platforms, protected against the bracing Patagonian elements. Inside, you’ll find double-height mattresses, cozy down covers and heaters that can be operated during the evening to ensure a warm night’s rest. Permanent, separate male and female bathrooms with hot showers are just a short walk from the tents (please note that electricity and hot water in the campsite runs from 8 AM to 0:00 hrs). Meals are abundant, delicious and shared in a dedicated dining lodge with views of the Paine Massif’s changing colors and spacious room to lounge, relax, and enjoy great company. Our buffet breakfasts, design-your-own packed lunches and chef-prepared three-course dinners are a nourishing mix of local delicacies and high-energy foods to fuel our days’ adventures. Vegans, vegetarians and guests with other dietary needs are more than catered for with a range of alternative milks, gluten free breads, vegan cheeses and soy products. And of course, beer, Chilean wine and Pisco sours mark the perfect end to a day’s trekking. Our own concierge is always onsite to answer questions and to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. With factors such as generators, mosquitos and chilly nights in the mix, our concierge is there to advise when to close mosquito nets, charge electronic devices, close your deluxe tent and turn on the heaters.
Q: Do the deluxe tents have outlets for charging devices? Are the tents heated?
A: Each private deluxe tent has electrical outlets (C & L 220V sockets) for charging electrical devices during the hours the camp generators are operating (08:00 – 23:00). Each private tent is equipped with a small electric space heater with an auto shut-off security feature. This will allow you to heat your tent for the chilly evenings!
